Running with Hearing Aids
by Gil Kaminski
Reviewed by Carrie Spangler, Au.D., Thomas R. Goyne, Au.D., and Michal Luntz, M.D.
on Sep 7th, 2024
Questions to Ask Your Audiologist
Sweat and Security Protection:
What are the best ways to protect my hearing aids from sweat and moisture during long runs?
Are there specific sweat guards, covers, clips, bands, or accessories you recommend for retention?
Battery and Power Management:
How can I maximize battery life for my hearing aids during a marathon? Should I carry extra batteries? To what extent is the battery life of my hearing aids influenced by sweat and moisture?
Wind and Noise Reduction:
Can you adjust my hearing aids to reduce wind noise while running?
Are there specific settings or programs that would be optimal for outdoor conditions?
Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
What should I do if my hearing aids malfunction or get too wet during the race?
Do you have quick maintenance tips or adjustments I can make on the go?
General Advice:
Do you have any tips or best practices for using hearing aids during physical activities like running a marathon?
Are there any potential risks or things I should be aware of while wearing hearing aids for extended periods during intense physical activity?
Loss and Damage Coverage:
Do my hearing aids have a loss/damage policy, and how does it work?
Humelan Expert’s Tips and Tricks for Running with Hearing Aids
Use Sport Clips or Ear Hooks: Secure your hearing aids with accessories designed to keep them in place during high-impact activities. These can prevent them from shifting or falling out.
Protect from Moisture: Use sweat covers, moisture-resistant wraps, or waterproof hearing aids to protect against sweat, rain, or humidity, which can damage sensitive components.
Carry a Running Belt: A running belt or pouch with secure zippers can store your hearing aids, keys, phone, and other essentials. It’s especially useful if you need to remove your hearing aids mid-run.
Check Battery Life: Always start with fully charged batteries or bring spare batteries if using non-rechargeable hearing aids. Consider investing in portable charging options for longer runs.
Utilize Bluetooth Features: If your hearing aids have Bluetooth, connect them to your phone for music, podcasts, or navigation. This keeps your ears open to environmental sounds and eliminates the need for additional earbuds.
Adjust for Wind Noise: Wind noise can be distracting and reduce your ability to hear your surroundings. Adjust your hearing aids’ wind noise reduction settings or ask your audiologist to customize these settings for outdoor activities.
Regular Cleaning: After every run, clean your hearing aids to remove sweat, dirt, and any debris that could affect performance. Use a drying box or dehumidifier to keep them moisture-free overnight.
Use a Protective Case: Carry a small, durable case where you can store your hearing aids if you need to remove them during a run, protecting them from accidental damage.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Set your hearing aids to allow ambient sounds like traffic or other runners. Some hearing aids have settings that enhance situational awareness, which is critical for safety.
Practice in Different Conditions: Run in various weather conditions to test how your hearing aids perform. Adjust your approach based on temperature, humidity, and wind levels to find the best setup.
Routine Checks and Maintenance: Regularly check the condition of your hearing aids and replace any parts like wax guards or filters that may be impacted by frequent running.
Consult with Your Audiologist: Work with your audiologist to fine-tune your hearing aids for running. They can adjust settings for optimal performance and comfort, recommend specific accessories, and provide advice on managing battery life.
Have an Emergency Plan: If you’re running long distances, have a plan in place in case your hearing aids fail. Carry a phone with contact numbers and consider a safety app that provides alerts without needing to hear them.
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